Fiona Worts made history on Thursday night when she became the first Adelaide United women’s player to be awarded the Julie Dolan Medal.
The English forward enjoyed a phenomenal second season with the Reds and her performances did not go unnoticed, receiving the most prestigious accolade in Australian football in the women’s game.
It was an outstanding Liberty A-League 2021/22 campaign for Worts, who scored 13 goals and registered a further four assists to help United clinch a maiden finals appearance.
The 26-year-old was absolutely thrilled to have won the award and now joins the likes of Sam Kerr, Michelle Heyman and Clare Polkinghorne who have previously realised the highest honour.
She credited her individual success to her fellow teammates and the strong team and Club environment.
“Julie Dolan’s played an incredible part in making football what it is in Australia today,” she said via video message.
“So it’s not only incredibly special to receive this award, but also to have her announce it and I wish I could be there to receive it from her myself.
“It’s amazing to think that I’ve been voted the best player in in the A-League Women’s this season.
“I think it speaks a lot for the environment that my team has created and Adelaide United have created that I’ve been able to thrive there this year.
“So it means a lot to receive this award and to represent Adelaide united as well.”
Those 13 goals, which included 11 in the month of February, also saw her collect the Golden Boot.
“I think the ultimate goal of a striker is to try and score as many goals as possible,” she said.
“And obviously to win the Golden Boot means I’ve done that job for my team this season.
“There’s an incredible list of players that have won the Golden Boot in Australia and a lot of amazing players that haven’t as well.
“And to see the kinds of careers those players have gone on to have, it just really excites me for what the future might hold for me as well.”
Worts is currently plying her trade at LSK Kvinner FK in Norway and will return to the Reds for the 2022/23 season.
